the starry song that April sings

Lovelies, friends, bloggers,

I have an announcement to make, of the most glorious kind



because






I am getting married!!
Joel and I are engaged! Affianced! Espoused! To be wed!

I am dazed and joyful, and my heart is both stilled and dancing with happiness.
Joel proposed in a seaplane above Dubai, and I was completely surprised.
(My dad is an airline pilot, and I think this is the perfect 'transition' from one era to another, as it were. And it just makes a romantic and incredible story!)
It was quiet, and beautiful, and the little details are hidden away in my heart.

It was perfect.


I am overwhelmed with the blessed thought that I get to be his wife. That we're going to be married!
Oh, how God has been gracious to us.


love,
Cait

(photo from before the special flight)

the end of february.

Joel's mother and little sister came from Seattle to see him for a short week, and stayed with us (to our enjoyment). There was a great deal of coffee and tea brewed, and home time as well as their adventuring into the Dubai malls and other sights. I loved seeing them together (and felt very spoiled getting to see Joel so much), but their having to leave him again was heartwrenching. They're close and loving and fun, and could say nothing bad about their son and brother.
I'm very sad that his family can't be with him all the time, but I'm so, so happy he's here.


2 Corinthians 1:12
For our boast is this, the testimony of our, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Dress Up

A few weeks ago Joel and I decided to be indie kids. I think we're pretty good at being hippies but the reason it was a big deal is because I never wear trousers. Ever. I've worn almost solely skirts and dresses for nearly a year now and am simply more comfortable that way. But it was fun to wear jeans again and act brave enough to wear a headband like that because I've always wanted to. And I wasn't the least bit embarrassed because I was with Joel, and the people at our favorite cafe didn't even notice we looked less refined than usual.
The pictures don't do it justice but I hope you are amused! We had fun.

love,
Cait

I scarcely like it when bloggers post only about 'inspiration' or 'what I just made,' so I guarantee you the lack of interesting stories and deep thoughts on here (apart from what comes out ever so naturally, of course) is purely the result of the increasing shortness of time. To be honest, this is ok, as there are more important things and I don't see life in terms of 'I should blog about this.'


But, there's some news I'd very much like to share with you, since those of you who really read this little blog are caring enough to be interested and happy. In mid-November a courtship was begun between a truly wonderful and exceptional man named Joel, and myself. That occurrence held incalculable delight and surprise for me, and continues to astound me.

Those comments on my blog about contentment, and joy, and fulfillment from the beginning of this year until now did indeed increase over the past month, but they were heartfelt before too. Because I was happy before this happened too. And if I wasn't content and satisfied before, finding my satisfaction in God, 'He Whom my soul loves,' I wouldn't be content now either. But He is worthy, and this is an added, undeserved gift, and I couldn't be more happy.

But what is courtship?
For us this means an intentional relationship under the authority and guidance of my father, for the purpose of getting to know one another better with increasing commitment (determining whether it is God's will for us to marry). Some would refer to it as a wise alternative to dating, but I think it is rather a Biblical model.

If that sounds stuffy and old fashioned; trust me, it's exciting =) And what makes it more exciting is the assurance I have that I'm being protected, cared for, held accountable, and kept from unnecessary emotional confusion or pain. And that this man measures up to my dad's (high) standards and was 'evaluated' for months before it reached me. That I get to learn about him and pray for him and have this time is something to praise God for every day.

If you have any questions please ask; I'd be happy to explain and try to answer.
I'm sure you'll hear more about it.
This is a very happy Cait typing, and a very thankful daughter.

much love;
Cait
p.s. he's amazing.